Penang will give RM25,000 to the 25 victims of the Hulu Langat landslide yesterday which claimed 16 lives.
Nine others survived the landslide at the Rumah Anak-anak Yatim dan Anak-anak Hidayah Madrasah Al-Taqwa at Batu 14, Hulu Langat in Selangor.
“Although it is not a lot, it is moral support for the families of those who died and survived so that they can persevere through this tragedy,” Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said in a statement.
The Selangor government has also given RM1,000 to each of the families of the victims and is looking to offer them other help.
The federal government will give RM10,000 to each of the families of the victims.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is also cutting short his United States visit to meet the victims this Tuesday.
NSTP-Media Prima has donated RM50,000 to the Hidayah Madrasah Al-Taqwa orphanage to help it rebuild. The donation is also to help the survivors and their families.
Members of the public who also wish to contribute can do so by making payments to Tabung Bencana NSTP-Media Prima.
In Alor Gajah, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was speechless when she learnt of the tragedy in Hulu Langat.
"It pains me to know there are still children trapped in the rubble," she said after attending the Masjid Tanah Wanita Umno division meeting here.
Shahrizat said her officers from the ministry and the "Wanita Umno Skuad Sayang" (Love Squad) had been told to reach out to the victims and their kin immediately.
"We will extend our help to those affected. I just hope the operator of the orphanage abided by the rules and regulations of running the place in terms of safety."
Meanwhile, Hulu Langat member of parliament Dr Che Rosli Che Mat, who was at the site, said the area was identified to be landslide-prone a long time ago.
"A similar incident took place some time back due to the steep slope."
However, he said there were no warning signs before yesterday's incident.
He said the situation was still dangerous and there was a possibility of another major landslide occurring.
"Evacuation procedures should be carried as soon as possible to ensure no more lives are lost."
Dr Che Rosli urged the families to remain calm as rescue work was still being carried out.
